Want it to begin next year: Japanese envoy

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki yesterday said his country supports repatriation of Rohingyas and wants to see the process start next year. 

Japan will continue to help on the "important issue", he told diplomatic correspondents at an event at Jatiya Press Club. Naoki said Japan will continue to cooperate with Bangladeshi government and will spare no efforts to see a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the programme "DCAB Talk" with its president Angur Nahar Monty in the chair. DCAB General Secretary Touhidur Rahman also spoke.

Asked about Japan's role in the UN forum, he said they are communicating directly with Myanmar's top military officials and at government level regarding the crisis, as Japan sees it as a proper channel to play a role.

He said Japan has a strong connection with the highest level of Myanmar's military and civilian government. "Japan is communicating directly on what Myanmar could do and what Myanmar should do in terms of addressing accountability, as well as focusing on the repatriation process."

Asked about Japan's investment in Myanmar, Ambassador Naoki said Japan and Myanmar are both part of Asia. "Like Bangladesh, Myanmar is also traditionally a very friendly country to Japan. So, there's a good reason for us to continue making investment in a country which is under the process of democratisation."